Young talents, not capital to determine Africa's economy

"The next economy will be based on talents and not capital," said Kaberuka at a panel discussion entitled: The Future is in Your Hands--Youth and Rising Africa held at the University of Rwanda on the sidelines of the the 26th World Economic Forum on Africa which opened in the Rwandan capital Kigali.

Kaberuka, a Rwandan national, said his country which received negative publicity following the 1994 genocide was now a rising star with prosperous economic achievements--thanks to the young people who were rebuilding the country.

"Rwanda has been built by young people. This country has commitment, has leadership and has done," he told audience of students from regional schools and universities.

However, Kaberuka said African boundaries still remained a major challenge holding the continent to move ahead, adding that the African youth should not be defined by boundaries.

"A South African youth should be able to showcase one's skills and entrepreneurship in Nigeria without any hindrance, likewise a Rwandan youth should do the same in Ethiopia, etc, etc," aid one of Africa' s leading economists.

Kaberuka added:" Boundaries are like scars. It is not something that one loves to look at."

Victor Ochen, Executive Director for African Youth Initiative Network based in Uganda, said the African youth should be the first generation to end the sufferings facing the continent.

"For the last 50 years African countries have wasted their valuable time fighting. Where should have we been if we had worked together towards the prosperity of the continent?" queried the young Ugandan CEO, who grew up as an internal displaced person in his country.

He said Africa has to move forward together as a continent, adding however that Africa could not be left alone as it was part of the global community.

Nicola Hove (22), Chief Executive Officer with Zimbabwe-based G26 Investment Group, said the youth should take ownership of issues in their countries that affected them most.

"Young Africans possess the power, the skills. We as capable as anyone else," said Hove.

She added that the young people in Africa should stop complaining and grab opportunities at their disposal.

Fred Swaniker, a young South African entrepreneur and Founder and Chief Executive Director of African Leadership Group, said young Africans should be given chance to practise their ideas.

He said Rwandan President Paul Kagame's government was full of young civil servants and that was why Rwanda was performing wonders.

"By engaging young people in the government, it was the best way of serving the needs of young people who are 60 per cent of the African population," said Swaniker.

Matthew Rugamba, also a young Rwandan entrepreneur and Founder and Creative Director of House of Tayo, said:"We need to act and work with each other. We need to to look out for whatever opportunities coming our way."

Throughout Africa, expanding trade and cooperation are breaking down barriers to growth and opportunity. The role of the African youth who make up 70 per cent of the population under the age of 30 could make Africa Rising.